ZFC 2 Makes History with International Combat Sports Showdown in Bangladesh

The second edition of the international combat sports competition Julkan Fighting Championship (ZFC), titled “ZFC 2: Pride of Bangladesh,” was held at the Julkan Indoor Arena of Bashundhara Sports City in the capital.

Organized by Tanvir Bashundhara Group (TBG), the championship featured exciting bouts in Muay Thai, traditional boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and, for the first time in Bangladesh, bare-knuckle boxing.

The event brought together promising Bangladeshi fighters and experienced international athletes, with competitors battling for five major titles alongside several international bouts.

The championship was also attended by Ahmed Ibrahim Sobhan, Managing Director of Tanvir Bashundhara Group, and Emil Ahmed Sobhan, Managing Director of Sanvir Bashundhara Group, who watched the action from the gallery.

One of the biggest attractions of ZFC 2 was the country's first-ever bare-knuckle boxing bout, featuring a three-round fight without boxing gloves.

American fighter Will Chopp faced Iranian fighter Mostafa Ashouri in a highly competitive contest. Chopp eventually secured the victory.

The bout marked a new chapter for professional combat sports in Bangladesh, introducing bare-knuckle boxing to the country's growing combat sports scene.

Bangladeshi fighters delivered several notable performances throughout the championship.

In the ZFC Muay Thai Championship, Bangladesh's Muhammad Rashed defeated Malaysia's Erwandi Kalai to claim the title.

In another international bout, Bangladesh's Manzur Alam secured victory over the Philippines' Philipus Ranga.

In the WMO Asia Muay Thai Championship, Bangladesh's Masjidul Reza Omio defeated Thailand's Thanapat Titham.

Bangladesh's Sura Krishna Chakma also secured a victory over Indonesia's Kundimang in the ZFC Boxing Championship.

In another boxing bout, Singapore's Sean Rafael Sunny defeated Bangladesh's Sirajul Rabbi.

The championship also attracted notable figures from Bangladesh's entertainment industry and social media community.

Popular actors from the hit television series “Bachelor Point”—including Ziaul Haque Palash, Marzuk Russell, Chashi Alam and Musafir Saeed Bacchu—were present at the venue. Director Kajol Arefin Ome also attended the event.

Actress Tasnaria Farin, musician Jefar Rahman, presenter Rafsan Sabab, and several prominent social media influencers were also seen in the audience enjoying the fights.

Following the successful completion of ZFC 1: The Takeover in April this year, the second edition has further expanded the scope of combat sports in Bangladesh.

The organizers said international events of this scale are creating opportunities for local fighters to compete professionally while helping introduce Bangladesh to a wider international combat sports audience.

With growing interest among young people in combat sports beyond traditional disciplines, ZFC aims to provide a platform through which Bangladeshi athletes can gain international exposure and pursue professional opportunities on the global stage.